Oat Notes

PALEO-OATS? Can oats be part of the Paleo Diet?

Definition: From Wikipedia: The Paleolithic diet (also called the paleo diet, caveman diet or stone-age diet[1]) is based mainly on foods presumed to have been available to Paleolithic humans.[2] Wide variability exists in the way the diet is interpreted.[3] However, the diet typically includes vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, and meat while excluding foods such as dairy products, grains, sugar, legumes, processed oils, salt, and alcohol or coffee.[1] The diet is based on avoiding not just modern processed foods, but rather the foods that humans began eating after the Neolithic Revolution when humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture.

Ok, so that simple definition helps us understand why Oats are often on the avoid list for many Paleo Diets, right? But here’s the thing… recently scientists have found a 32,000 year old stone inside a case in southern Italy that was used by cavemen to GRIND OATS INTO FLOUR!!!

This new research could prove that the original paleo eaters were grinding oats and other grains to presumably add to their diets. According to the findings, the ancient stone was in a cave called Grotta Paglicci in Puglia, Sounthern Italy. It was used by a Paleolithic people in the Gravettian culture. Seems they were pretty sophisticated too – leaving behind some spectacular cave paintings along with evidence of burials and distinctive stone tools.

When the researchers sealed the stone to preserve it for research, they also left small patches exposed that they washed to loosen debris. In the water were hundreds of starch granules. The most plentiful was Avena barbata: – a species of wild oat known by the common name slender wild oat. Which has edible seeds. Hmmm… sounds like our Gluten-Free Prairie Oat Groats.

Hopefully more research will follow and Paleo dieters will take note: Clearly our Paleo parentage ate OATS!

#lovescience!

Thanks for stopping by today

March is National Flour Month! Check out the Gluten-Free Prairie Pot ‘Oat Gold

National Flour Month is the perfect time to celebrate our higher protein Oat Flour. Oats are one of the healthiest whole-grain flours on the planet. If you’ve been looking for the perfect replacement for other gluten-free flours – our Pot Oat’ Gold is full of Gluten Free Prairie Oat Flour.

Are oats baby’s perfect first cereal?

Oats are a wonderfully healthy grain and they may be baby’s perfect first cereal, replacing rice as the go-to in generations past. In 2012 the FDA launched a formal investigation into arsenic levels in rice. Consumer Reports discusses arsenic in rice: “The results of our tests were even more troubling in some ways than our findings for juice. In virtually every product tested, we found measurable amounts of total arsenic in its two forms.” In 2016 the FDA issued another, stronger warning regarding high levels of arsenic in rice cereal. Easy to digest and less binding than rice, oatmeal brings fiber, calcium, protein and even some B vitamins to a baby’s growing body! Use oat flour to prepare creamy oats and give babies the full health benefits of oats.

Are oats the perfect breakfast for growing minds?

Oatmeal is low-glycemic. This slow-digesting, high-fiber option leads to better focus and mental performance throughout the day. Oats are also high in complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber, which means they release energy slowly. That morning bowl of oatmeal could provide all the energy a child needs until lunchtime.

What about childhood obesity?

A study of 10,000 children by researchers at New York’s Columbia University found that among those who regularly ate whole-oat product, the proportion of overweight children was almost cut in half. Researchers at Oxford Brookes University also found that those eating foods with a low glycemic index (GI), such as oats were less likely to binge on sugary snacks. Foods with low GI rating release glucose into the body more slowly and evenly, leaving you feeling full longer.

Are oats the perfect choice for athletes?

Oats are becoming the go-to protein and nutrient choice for all types of athletes. Oatmeal is a great source of energy and is a complex, slow-burning carb which is essential for building and strengthening muscle. Oats are rich in oxygen-carrying iron and energy-releasing B vitamins, nutrients essential to peak athletic performance. Plus, they’re packed with soluble fiber, called Beta Glucan which is paramount to managing cholesterol levels and a healthy weight. Beta glucans are soluble fibers found in oats that benefit the body in many ways. First, they keep you full, aid in regularity, assist with removing cholesterol from the bloodstream, and provide a leaner waistline. This is helpful for athletes looking to stay energized, healthy, and keep a toned, lean look to go along with their plant-powered muscles. Oats have been said one of the best foods to reduce excess abdominal weight and are one of the most prized foods for withstanding athletes through long, grueling workouts.

Are oats the perfect choice for every age?

The Mayo Clinic lists Oats as #1 in the top 5 foods to lower cholesterol. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad,” cholesterol. Soluble fiber (beta glucan) can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your total and LDL cholesterol. Eating 1 1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of fiber.

Avenanthramides

While the benefits of beta glucans in oats is making mainstream news, we hope that this little known group of antioxidants will start to make news too. Oats are the only grain to contain this potent antioxidant which multiple studies report suppress the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), lower blood pressure and help prevent colon cancer. Pretty exciting news about this humble little grain.

Protein

Everyone wants more protein – and oats are the perfect plant-based way athletes get their protein. One serving of oats contains as much protein as one egg, often thought of as the most prized source of protein. Try oats in your smoothie for a powerful protein punch.

B vitamins

B vitamins improve your energy, brain health, and muscle function. Oats offer an immediate hit of B vitamins, one half cup of oats will provide you with quality B vitamins that will leave you energized for hours.

Iron

Oats contain around 4 milligrams of iron per 1/2 cup. That’s nearly 1/3 of the daily recommended amounts (18%)! Eating iron-rich foods like oats with a source of Vitamin C (such as berries, greens, lemon, oranges, apples, kiwi, and peppers) is an easy way to boost absorption of this important mineral. Athletes need iron to maintain energy just like anyone else, so choose the best plant-based sources such as oats, greens, chia seeds, spirulina, beans, legumes, and even cacao!

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for athletes who are looking to recover properly after a workout. Magnesium helps relieve sore muscles, encourages repair and regrowth of muscle cells, and lowers cortisol in the body, the stress hormone that’s elevated during exercise. While cortisol is helpful when you’re working out and in need of speed and adrenaline, you don’t want it elevated for a long period of time after a workout. A lack of magnesium can cause fatigue that no athlete (or anyone else) wants, can lead to insomnia, and can cause inflammation that impairs future workouts. Oats contain 275 milligrams of magnesium in just 1/2 cup dry rolled oats (1 cup cooked).

Oats are a great addition to any diet, especially an athlete’s diet. If you’ve skipped out on oats until now, give this healthy grain a bit more attention in your diet from now on! Gluten-Free Prairie oats are higher in protein than many other varieties and are also simply the purest on the planet. GFP sources only Purity Protocol Oats which are third-party certified by CSA requiring testing at 3ppm or below.

Arsenic and Mercury in the Gluten-Free Diet. Is the Gluten-Free Sky Falling?

Arsenic levels in rice is well documented. I started blogging about the arsenic in rice issue back in 2012 when the FDA issued their first warning. You can see one of my posts and links to the FDA’s investigation here: http://bit.ly/1TzZjur

But it’s not a gluten-free diet that’s the problem. It’s the fact that rice is the main ingredient in the majority of gluten-free bread, crackers and cookies and cereals too. But it’s not just the arsenic that’s a problem. Rice can also be high glycemic and lower in the B vitamins and protein – which are often lacking in a gluten-free diet. Must have been a slow news day for Fox and the others as they dug deep to stir an old pot. Buried deep in both articles is something that the FDA told us back in 2012. Arsenic is naturally occurring in rice. There is nothing new here. But the media spun it with quotes like: ” Yet, this new study suggests potentially harmful ingredients may be hiding in this trendy type of food.”

Bottom line: Rice is the #1 ingredient in most gluten-free diets. A bigger problem might also be the fact that mainstream gluten-free products often contain high amounts of fat, sugar and preservatives. Rice is only part of the problem.

Unfortunately both articles fail to mention is that Pure Gluten-Free Oats (yes, like Gluten-Free Prairie’s) are the perfect alternative to rice in the gluten-free diet. There is NO arsenic issue with our gluten-free oats. oat flour, mixes or oat groats.

Quoting another article: “Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago report that rice flour, which is used as a substitute for wheat, tends to accumulate toxic metals that can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and neurological illness. The arsenic and mercury get into the rice via fertilizers, soil and water, and other studies have previously linked the toxic metals to rice.”

Yes, both articles are onlytalking about RICE. Not oats, buckwheat, amaranth, or any of the other readily available naturally gluten-free grains.

A lot has changed since my daughter and I were diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2005. In the years since, mainstream manufacturers have jumped on the gluten-free bandwagon – many using rice as a main ingredient. Back then my blog – Not Even A Crumb – proved a wonderful outlet for us as we navigated our life-changing gluten-free world. Concerned about the lack of nutrients in much of our gluten-free diet, my family and I began a quest to find a way to live a truly healthy gluten-free lifestyle. When we learned about the amazing health benefits of Purity Protocol gluten-free oats, and the even more amazing benefits of a unique variety of pure gluten-free oat groat (the whole seed of the oat plant) we ultimately moved to Montana, bought a 100 yr old building and converted it into a designated gluten-free Bakery. In addition to an entire line of Gluten-Free Oat-Based products, it turns out that our variety of oat groat is also a perfect replacement for rice! It even cooks in a rice cooker. Oat Groats are also proven to lower cholesterol – along with many other attributes that will be a post for another day. You can find our oat groats on Amazon HERE:

Our oat products are non-GMO, with no preservatives, no high-fructose corn syrup, no Xanthan or fillers of any kind. As folks continue to fall in love with our Gluten-Free Prairie Family of Products, I am also on a quest to introduce the world to our oat groats – a true replacement for rice. For recipes using the groats check out our recipe page .

In the coming months I’ll be posting more about the Amazing Groat which is lower in carbs than all other gluten-free grains- with the exception of corn (one of the most highly genetically modified grains on the planet). Pure gluten-free oats are also among the highest in fiber and protein, and are also higher in thiamine – an essential B vitamin often missing in a gluten-free diet.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Can Oats Make You a Better Lover / subtitle: Oats and Your Heart – A Love Story

Oats are proven to support a healthy heart, and a healthy heart is key for a healthy love life. As we know the heart plays an important role in your love life as it pumps blood to your body as well as your sex organs. The beta-glucans in oats act like little artery scrubbers – and any health expert will tell you that when your arteries are clean, so is blood flow. Increased blood flow is essential for a healthy love life. Also, consuming oatmeal on a daily basis is also a great natural way of increasing testosterone in the bloodstream. Who knew, right? Testosterone is a key factor for a healthy sex drive in both men and women.

Oatmeal not only lowers cholesterol, but it’s also a great source of L-arginine, which is an amino acid that changes into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves circulation. And everyone knows that chocolate and lovers are a natural pair, right? Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulating alkaloid similar to caffeine. It also produces serotonin, a chemical that help enhance feelings of happiness in your brain.

So this Valentine’s Day – Gluten-Free Prairie might be the perfect one stop shop for your Special Someone.

Oats and Your Heart – A Love Story

The health benefits of oats are well documented. And the information just keeps getting better and better. Specifically for the heart.

Bad cholesterol is the enemy of a healthy heart. The Mayo Clinic lists Oats as #1 in the top 5 foods to lower cholesterol. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. Soluble fiber (beta glucan) can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases both total and LDL cholesterol. Eating 1 1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of fiber.

While the benefits of beta glucans in oats is making mainstream news, we think it time to start talking about Avenanthramides . We hope that this little known group of antioxidants will start to make news too. Oats are the only grain to contain this potent antioxidant which multiple studies report suppress the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), lower blood pressure and help prevent colon cancer.

Stay tuned for more exciting Oat Note News in our March Newsletter about this humble little grain.

Gluten-Free Purity Protocol Oats. What does it mean and does it really matter? A mini rant

While the great news about the amazing health benefits of oatmeal continues to go mainstream, so does the the controversy about safety of gluten-free oats. At Gluten-Free Prairie, we take the purity of our gluten-free oat products very seriously. Our company is based completely on third-party certified Purity Protocol Oatmeal, Oat Flour and Oat Groats. What does that mean? There is a very short and easy explanation please see it by clicking HERE.

That’s right! All of our products contain ONLY Gluten-Free Purity Protocol Oats. We are also proud to maintain our third-party Certification with CSA, which is the most stringent in the industry, requiring us to test at 5ppm (compared to the acceptable 20ppm of the FDA here is the U.S.).

Why are our oats and oat products a perfect addition to our safe and healthy gluten-free diets? See the up-to-the-minute stats by clicking here:

So…there are a lot of gluten-free oat products on the market today, more every day it seems. So why aren’t all manufacturers using Purity Protocol Oats? The simple answer: $$COST$$. According to Package Facts, the Gluten-Free Market is expected to be a $2 billion industry by 2020. Wowzers! That must mean there’s a lot of competition for our gluten-free shopping dollars, right? So it also makes sense why many major manufacturers would focus their budgets on slick ads and fancy packaging. A decision which might leave less of their budget to spend on a quality purity protocol oat product.

Thing is – that makes NO sense to our Gluten-Free Prairie Family. And, lucky us, we are blessed to have a designer in the family; thanks to Jennifer for our beautiful package design. Otherwise, most of our advertising is via word of mouth. Our resources are directed toward producing truly high quality products along with a promise that we will never compromise or take short cuts. And beyond that: The proof is in the tasting.

So, now you know why Purity Protocol Oats are so important. Yay! If you have any questions about any of our products, please contact me directly: askdeb@glutenfreeprairie.com

But don’t take my word for it. It’s also important to mention that Shelley Case #glutenfreequeen – widely considered North America’s Gluten-Free Expert has just released her newest book: Gluten-Free, The Definitive Resource Guide. Gluten-Free Prairie is one of only three companies in the U.S. and Canada recommended by Shelley Case in her new book. Thank you Shelley!

And now that you know you have a choice, you can find direct links to all of our products by clicking HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today!

The Amazing Health Benefits of Oats — for Everyone

Are oats baby’s perfect first cereal?

Oats are a wonderfully healthy grain and they may be baby’s perfect first cereal, replacing rice as the go-to in generations past. In 2012 the FDA launched a formal investigation into arsenic levels in rice. Consumer Reports discusses arsenic in rice: “The results of our tests were even more troubling in some ways than our findings for juice. In virtually every product tested, we found measurable amounts of total arsenic in its two forms.” In 2016 the FDA issued another, stronger warning regarding high levels of arsenic in rice cereal. Easy to digest and less binding than rice, oatmeal brings fiber, calcium, protein and even some B vitamins to a baby’s growing body! Use oat flour to prepare creamy oats and give babies the full health benefits of oats.

Are oats the perfect breakfast for growing minds?

Oatmeal is low-glycemic. This slow-digesting, high-fiber option leads to better focus and mental performance throughout the day. Oats are also high in complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber, which means they release energy slowly. That morning bowl of oatmeal could provide all the energy a child needs until lunchtime.

What about childhood obesity?

A study of 10,000 children by researchers at New York’s Columbia University found that among those who regularly ate whole-oat product, the proportion of overweight children was almost cut in half. Researchers at Oxford Brookes University also found that those eating foods with a low glycemic index (GI), such as oats were less likely to binge on sugary snacks. Foods with low GI rating release glucose into the body more slowly and evenly, leaving you feeling full longer.

Are oats the perfect choice for athletes?

Oats are becoming the go-to protein and nutrient choice for all types of athletes. Oatmeal is a great source of energy and is a complex, slow-burning carb which is essential for building and strengthening muscle. Oats are rich in oxygen-carrying iron and energy-releasing B vitamins, nutrients essential to peak athletic performance. Plus, they’re packed with soluble fiber, called Beta Glucan which is paramount to managing cholesterol levels and a healthy weight. Beta glucans are soluble fibers found in oats that benefit the body in many ways. First, they keep you full, aid in regularity, assist with removing cholesterol from the bloodstream, and provide a leaner waistline. This is helpful for athletes looking to stay energized, healthy, and keep a toned, lean look to go along with their plant-powered muscles. Oats have been said one of the best foods to reduce excess abdominal weight and are one of the most prized foods for withstanding athletes through long, grueling workouts.

Are oats the perfect choice for every age?

The Mayo Clinic lists Oats as #1 in the top 5 foods to lower cholesterol. Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad,” cholesterol. Soluble fiber (beta glucan) can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your total and LDL cholesterol. Eating 1 1/2 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 6 grams of fiber.

Avenanthramides

While the benefits of beta glucans in oats is making mainstream news, we hope that this little known group of antioxidants will start to make news too. Oats are the only grain to contain this potent antioxidant which multiple studies report suppress the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), lower blood pressure and help prevent colon cancer. Pretty exciting news about this humble little grain.

Protein

Everyone wants more protein – and oats are the perfect plant-based way athletes get their protein. One serving of oats contains as much protein as one egg, often thought of as the most prized source of protein. Try oats in your smoothie for a powerful protein punch.

B vitamins

B vitamins improve your energy, brain health, and muscle function. Oats offer an immediate hit of B vitamins, one half cup of oats will provide you with quality B vitamins that will leave you energized for hours.

Iron

Oats contain around 4 milligrams of iron per 1/2 cup. That’s nearly 1/3 of the daily recommended amounts (18%)! Eating iron-rich foods like oats with a source of Vitamin C (such as berries, greens, lemon, oranges, apples, kiwi, and peppers) is an easy way to boost absorption of this important mineral. Athletes need iron to maintain energy just like anyone else, so choose the best plant-based sources such as oats, greens, chia seeds, spirulina, beans, legumes, and even cacao!

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral for athletes who are looking to recover properly after a workout. Magnesium helps relieve sore muscles, encourages repair and regrowth of muscle cells, and lowers cortisol in the body, the stress hormone that’s elevated during exercise. While cortisol is helpful when you’re working out and in need of speed and adrenaline, you don’t want it elevated for a long period of time after a workout. A lack of magnesium can cause fatigue that no athlete (or anyone else) wants, can lead to insomnia, and can cause inflammation that impairs future workouts. Oats contain 275 milligrams of magnesium in just 1/2 cup dry rolled oats (1 cup cooked).

Oats are a great addition to any diet, especially an athlete’s diet. If you’ve skipped out on oats until now, give this healthy grain a bit more attention in your diet from now on! Gluten-Free Prairie oats are higher in protein than many other varieties and are also simply the purest on the planet. GFP sources only Purity Protocol Oats which are third-party certified by CSA requiring testing at 3ppm or below.

Gluten-Free Oats Are NOT Created Equal

People often ask us, “What makes your oats so special?”

The purity of our gluten-free oat products is our #1 priority on the Gluten-Free Prairie. We are completely committed to source ONLY pure gluten-free oats from farmers following strict purity protocols.

What are Purity Protocols and do they really matter? Yes, they really matter! While we know that oats are naturally gluten-free, we also know they are often cross-contaminated in the field or in harvesting or processing. Some conventional oats can test up to 100 ppm of gluten! To make a Purity Protocol claim, oats must be grown in designated gluten-free fields, harvested and processed on designated gluten-free equipment. Gluten-Free Prairie sources only third-party certified gluten-free purity protocol oats, which is why Gluten-Free Prairie Oats can take a healthy gluten-free diet to a whole new level.

Why did our Gluten-Free Prairie family decide to center our entire business around pure gluten-free oats? The health benefits of oats are well documented. We also know that oats are among the most nutritious of all cereal grains, making them the perfect addition to any diet, especially a gluten-free diet. Our pure GFP oats are higher in protein than many gluten-free grains. Pure Gluten-Free Prairie oats are also high in fiber and B Vitamins, which are often missing in a gluten-free diet.

Our goal is to provide gluten-free and mainstream consumers with healthy field to fork products